Kentucky’s renowned Heaven Hill Distillery has just launched an exciting new collection of whiskeys that celebrates the farm-to-table ethos of whiskey making. Aptly named “Grain to Glass“, this collection features three distinct Kentucky whiskeys: a bourbon(53.5%), a wheated bourbon(60.5%), and a rye(61.6%). Priced at $100 each, these whiskeys are available nationally in limited quantities.
The Journey from Seed to Spirit
The inception of the Grain to Glass series dates back eight years when Heaven Hill partnered with Beck’s Hybrids, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the U.S., to meticulously select the best hybrid corn seed varietals for central Kentucky’s unique terroir. Peterson Farms, a family-owned farming company based in Loretto, Kentucky, was chosen to cultivate the crops. Known for supplying top-quality grains to major distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Buffalo Trace, Peterson Farms was the ideal partner to ensure the highest quality ingredients.
Unique Mashbills for a Distinctive Profile
The Grain to Glass collection features mashbills that stand out from Heaven Hill’s core expressions, highlighting a higher secondary grain content. The bourbon and wheated bourbon both have a mashbill of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, distinguishing them from the Elijah Craig and Larceny Barrel Proof expressions. The rye whiskey boasts a mashbill of 63% rye, significantly higher than the 51% rye content found in Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse and Pikesville expressions.
Aging and Craftsmanship
Each whiskey in the Grain to Glass series has been aged for over six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse. Non-chill filtered to preserve the rich flavors, these whiskeys offer a full-bodied and authentic tasting experience. The labels on the bottles provide a detailed account of the specific corn seed varietal used, the mashbill composition, and the distillation and release year. They also feature illustrations that include a blueprint of the Bernheim Distillery and picturesque farm scenes, connecting the consumer directly to the source of their whiskey.
Tasting Notes and Specifications
- Grain to Glass Bourbon: With an ABV of 53.5%, this bourbon offers a robust profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, layered with a subtle hint of wheat.
- Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon: At 60.5% ABV, the wheated bourbon delivers a smooth and rich flavor, showcasing hints of honey, spice, and a gentle sweetness.
- Grain to Glass Rye: The rye whiskey, with an ABV of 61.6%, presents a bold and spicy character, with notes of pepper, clove, and a touch of fruitiness.
For whiskey enthusiasts looking to explore the rich flavors and history of Kentucky’s whiskey-making heritage, the Grain to Glass collection offers an unparalleled experience. Visit Heaven Hill’s website to learn more about their journey and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
